For real pleasure, combine walking and touring. The sight of the Meteora is a unique spectacle and experience, but walking on the well marked paths, is breathtaking. Experience and observe the local flora and fauna.

Step off the tourist trail and discover the little-known routes that most visitors do not get to see. On this half-day hiking trip, you follow the guide on a leisurely hike to the Grand Meteora Monastery. Along the way, you pass from the Ypapanti monastery and some of the smaller rock monasteries, and listen to fascinating commentary about the formation and history of this unique site.

When the leader calls: “let’s go hiking in Meteora” you follow him in the narrow path that leads into the valleys set on the foothill of the great rocks.
There are numerous hiking paths in the area, some are more difficult than others. The routes that we have chosen are not too difficult. You must wear the proper shoes and be careful where you step, other than that it is a great experience to become one with the nature.

“Go hiking in Meteora” then, and see this unique geological phenomenon walking. Experience a unique convergence of nature and spirituality unlike any other place in Greece. Discover and follow the paths of the monks. Hiking in Meteora gives you the opportunity to see the monasteries and landscape from a different perspective.
The views of the town of Kalampaka at the base of the rocks and the valley of Pineios river are stunning. Plus a visit to a monastery (Great Meteoron or Varlaam) is included.
The Professional Hiking Guide will be with you to give you all the information you need about the area and wherever is needed, transport is organized on a modern minibus.

Useful advice!

The best season for walking at Meteora is Spring and Autumn. If you are walking in the Summer, you will need to have a lot of water with you. You should avoid walking in the heat of the day (11.00 – 4.00 pm).
In the Winter you should also avoid areas that are very wet and slippery.
You should wear shoes that are correct for such sports.
Please respect the holiness of the site and maintain the proper behaviour.
Please keep the area clean of all forms of thrash.

Hiking Tour of Meteora
Witness nature at its best and admire the historic monasteries on this morning escapade. The views are majestic and our tour guides will make sure you enjoy them through the most efficient paths, all while informing you about the history and tales of the area.

The hiking tour of Meteora is best possible way to experience this historic site and geological mystery. On this tour you will walk through paths less traveled by the masses, which only locals are able to guide you through. Follow the trails taken by the first hermits and monks to settle in Meteora in the 9th Century AD, enjoy views which most visitors do not get the opportunity to see!

We begin our trek at Doupiani rock, right under the remains of Pantokrator monastery. We continue through the imposing sandstone mountains and move to the north side of Meteora. There we visit the concealed monastery of Ypapanti and the remains of St. Dimitrious Monastery. While visiting these landmarks, you will hear the history, legends and dark tales associated with the area and each site as told by the locals.

Visit the Ypapanti monastery from the inside (it is open until October), and then the monasteries of Great Meteoron or Varlaam. After filling your soul and absorbing history, we begin the last leg of this one of a kind tour by taking the original paths monks used before more modern road construction began.

Difficulty level: Easy. We do suggest, though, that you are a generally active person to participate in this tour.

Visit at least 2 monasteries and discover the natural beauty and the cultural heritage of this area. Many visitors never learn or hear that just few km away from Kalampaka there is one of the most important prehistoric caves not only for Greece but for the entire world, with archaeological findings dating back to 130,000 BC!

Take this morning tour, include the guided visit to Theopetra prehistoric cave, 4 km from Kalampaka and discover the ancient man made structure on earth, a stone wall dated back to 26,000 BC. Have the chance to see on the caves’ floor the petrified footprints of a 7 years old child that walked on the ashes 60,000 years ago.

Think back in time when the prehistoric child running inside the cave left his footprints for us to see them thousands of years later.

Minimum number applies.

Price is 25.00 euro and includes:

Pick up and drop off from your Hotel
Transportation by modern air-conditioned tour bus
Stop for photo shooting and learn about local traditions, myths and history
Visit 2 of the 6 monasteries
Visit Theopetra’s pre-historic cave

Not included and must be paid extra:

Entrance fees, 3.00 euro per person at each monastery
The 2 monasteries visited are the Grand Meteoro + the St Stephen’s
If the Grand Meteoro is closed, the Varlaam is visited instead.

Useful information:

Wear proper shoes.
Do not forget to bring your camera.
The monasteries have a strict dress code. Wrappings are provided.

Many centuries ago, on these gigantic rocks reaching heights of close to 2,000 feet, one of the most important monastic communities of Greece was formed.
After you’re picked up from your hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraki enjoy a comprehensive morning Meteora tour in all 6 Monasteries with the chance to visit inside 3 of them. Our expert in the area Tour Guide will be with you to give you all the information you need about the area.
Transported with comfort and safety, by our luxury air conditioned LIMO VIP Mini Bus towards cliff-top monasteries.
Numerous photo opportunity stops , to the best panoramic places for photo in Meteora , with short walks during the excursion.

Meteora Half-day Tour from Kalampaka is the perfect way to explore the amazing Meteora Monasteries. History, science and mythology alike have attempted to explain the formation of the sandstone mountain, but it is still a mystery which makes it one of the most unique places in the world and places it on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Its deep religious history offers many tales and legends as well. It is estimated that the first hermit monks settled on Meteora around the 10th century AD. It has since been a Christian sanctuary with a very complicated and rough history. 24 monasteries were built during its history, 6 remain to this day.

Go on a daytime tour of 3 of the 6 remaining monasteries in Meteora, learn the history and hear dark tales of the area from local guides. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and take photos from unbelievable positions. Give yourself the privilege of absorbing some of the most breathtaking sights, views and colors nature has to offer. Combine that with learning the history of the area and hearing impressive tales about the first hermits and monks who settled in Meteora, and you have a complete day of body and soul fulfilling activity.

Enjoy a beautiful sunset at Meteora surrounded by a spectacular scenery.

In the 3.30 hour afternoon SUNSET TOUR, organized by our partner in Kalampaka, you visit either the ROUSSANOU, or, the St. STEPHEN’S nunneries, the old Byzantine church of Mother Mary in Kalambaka, and the 1,000 years old hermitages and cave dwellings of Badova.

Experience a beautiful sunset, and capture beautiful photos.

Starting at +/- 16.00 the tour will take you to places that only the locals know. Enjoy amazing views, learn about the history, and traditions of the place. High up on the rocks, you will see the 1,000 years old Bandovas’ and the cave dwellings inside the caves, and learn the history of the very old Byzantine church, built on the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to god Apollo. The Dormition of Mother Mary in Kalampaka is one of the oldest churches in Greece, a real monument of special architecture.

Driving on the rocks, the driver will stop on a flat opening, from where you will take dozens of photos of a beautiful sunset. When the sun touches the mountains at the background, a complete silence is all you hear, and that is the moment that you understand why Meteora was chosen by the monks to build the monasteries here. It’s the moment that you also feel the need to meditate on the beauty of the creation.

The price of the sunset tour is 25.00 € per person, and includes:

Transportation by modern air-conditioned bus
Pick up and drop off from your Hotel in Kalampaka or Kastraki
Stop at the right spot for taking the sunset photos.
Learn about the local customs, legends and history
Visit the nunnery of Roussanou, or, the nunnery of St. Stephen’s,
Visit the Byzantine church of Virgin Mary in Kalampaka and
see the Hermitages of Badova

Not included and must be paid extra
– The entrance fee to the nunnery, being 3.00 € per person, and
– the entrance fee to the Byzantine church of Mother Mary, being 2.00 € per person.

Useful information
– Wear the proper shoes and proper dress. Men wearing long trousers, and women long skirts. However at the entrance of the monasteries you are provided with wrappings to follow the dress code and show your respect.

Meteora Sunset Tour from Kalampaka

Finish your day with a Meteora Sunset Tour while gazing at the sun slowly drop beneath the horizon. Experience this breathtaking scene in one of the most unique places on earth. If you find yourself on an excursion to Meteora, going on a Sunset Tour in Kalabaka is a must. Finish your day while gazing at the sun slowly drop beneath the horizon. Experience this breathtaking scene in one of the most unique places on earth. Meteora is considered the second most important historic site in Greece following the Acropolis. It is a complex of sandstone rocky mountains which took 60 million years to form. How they were formed remains a mystery. Listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, it is also the second largest monastic site in Greece following Mount Athos. 6 of the original 24 monasteries are still active. The history and tales are endless, as are the paths to explore this unique area. The local guides are more than capable of offering both. Spice up your Meteora visit with the Sunset Tour. Avoid the crowds by taking paths less traveled by the majority of tourists and hear the history and legend of the area by a local tour guide. Visit sites which tell the 27-century old story of the region like the Monastery of St. Nicholas Badova (Kofina) and the surrounding caves. Top it all off by watching the sun descend from the edges of the rocky mountain complex.

You have the option of combining the Sunset Tour with the Half-Day Tour or the Meteora Hiking Tour for a full day experience.

Tour itinerary

Travelling by train is the most comfortable and efficient way to travel. It’s a smooth and scenic ride through the fertile plain of Thessaly.

First day:
* Be at the Railway Station of Athens (Larissa station) before 07:00 and get on the train that departs 07:20 for Kalambaka.
You arrive in kalambaka at +/- 11:30 and an unforgetable experience starts. Enjoy every minute of it.
* 11:30 – Upon arrival in Kalambaka meet our driver outside the train station. Transfer to the hotel. Check in and have lunch in a nearby restaurant.
* Return to the hotel and 16:00 be ready in the lobby of the hotel for the “afternoon sunset tour”. (CLICK and read details of the tour).
(The pick up time for the “sunset tour” varies, following the time that the sun sets).
* Return to Kalambaka afterthe sunset, have dinner and spend the night in the hotel KOSTA FAMISSI.

Second day:

* 08.00 – Have an early breakfast, take a walk, enjoy the local fauna & flora and at 09.00 you are picked up for the morning tour of Meteora. You drive up the rocks, stop in a couple of openings for beautiful photos, visit at least 2 monasteries that are open on the day that you visit the area, and
* 13.30 – drive to Kalampaka. Have lunch, and, return to the hotel to take your luggage and walk 400 m. to the train station.
* 17.15 – Board the train and at 17:32 depart for Athens. Arrival at Larissa Rail station at 21:30.

On day 2 you may decide to take the hiking tour to the Meteora rocks instead of the morning tour. This decision is yours.
____________________________________________________________________________________________PRICE with breakfast: 134.00 € in single room, 115.00 € p.p. in double room, 110.00 € p.p. in triple room. Child pays 80% of adult fare.

INCLUDED: (You travel on your own, not as a group)

Train ticket (B class) from Athens to Kalambaka with return,

accommodation with breakfast in the 3* hotel Kosta Famissi,

the arrival transfer from the train station to the hotel,

the 3.30 hours afternoon “Sunset” tour, and

on the second day, either the 4 hrs morning tour or, the hiking tour, organised by our local partner.

Description

This is your chance to explore a unique natural phenomenon in Greece listed as a UNESCO monument. Meteora is a natural landmark nowhere to be found around the world. The imposing vertical rocks host on their plateaus ancient monasteries with a vast cultural significance for the whole Christianity.The 2 Days package to Meteora by train is organised daily as an independent trip, meaning that you travel on the train on your own. No tour leader with you. Arriving in Kalambaka you are met by our local partner who organises the local tours to Meteora.

Meteora is a rocky forest with huge Byzantine Monasteries built for protection at the top of the rocks.
The tour includes the train tickets, 1 night stay, and a Sunset, Morning, or Hiking Tour!

Join a 3.30 hrs tour of Meteora, see all 6 monasteries of the monastic community and visit 2 of them to experience the life of the monks and nuns.

You deposit 40.00 € to help us buy your train tickets and you collect tickets and vouchers in Athens.

Description

Daily departures travelling on your own or in a small group.

The 2 Days package to Meteora by train is your chance to discover the unique phenomenon.
The rocky forest with the Monasteries, built for protection at the top of the rocks, are UNESCO monuments.
The tour includes train tickets and 1 night stay with breakfast in the 3 * hotel Kosta Famissi.
You can add to it the local tours organized by our local partner, at special prices.
Select between the Sunset Tour, the morning tour or the Hiking Tour!
On the arrival day, you can explore Kalampaka. Don’t miss the 9th c church 15 min. walk from the hotel.

The Byzantine CHURCH ASSUMPTION OF MOTHER MARY
An important monument in Kalambaka is the church of Assumption, Basilica style.
It is located at the base of the Meteora rocks in the old city of Kalambaka.
The unique feature of the church is the large pulpit found in the middle of the church.

The CAVE OF THEOPETRA.
The Prehistorical Cave of Theopetra is located 5km from Kalambaka.
The 23.000 years old site is one of the most interesting Archaeological sites in the area.
It is of world-wide interest due to the unique findings for two changes in human prehistory:
– the replacement of Neaderdal from the contempory human, and
– the transition of the human hunter in the agricultural revolution.
Near the cave you can find the Documentation center of Theopetra cave.

TO SECURE A BOOKING You deposit 40.00 € to help us buy your train tickets.
You collect tickets and vouchers, any day before your departure for Kalambaka.

Day 2: A day to explore Meteora.
* 09:00 – Take the bus or our taxi from Kalambaka and visit the highest monastery.
* 13:00 – After you finish your visit, walk on the paved paths, or, take the bus back.
Explore the old town of Kalampaka. Visit the church of the dormition of Mother Mary.
Find a restaurant for lunch. Return to the hotel, take your luggage and
walk to the train station.
* 17.20 – Board the train and depart for Athens at 17:30. Arrival +/- 22.40.